ST. PAUL, Minn. - s4story -- Saint Paul, Minn.  — Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Children's Book Awards, recognizing outstanding authors and illustrators whose works inspire, empower, and reflect diverse voices in children's literature.

The award ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the JK Movement / Jimmy Lee Recreational Center, 1063 Iglehart Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104.

"These awards honor the power of storytelling to educate, uplift, and transform lives," said Dr. Artika Tyner, Founder of PPGJLI. "Our honorees exemplify the spirit of leadership and justice, creating books that affirm identity, celebrate culture, and ignite imagination for young readers everywhere."

2025 Award Recipients

Minnesota Author Honors – Book of the Year

• The Magic Headscarf — Sowda Mohamed
• Hockey Is for Everybody: Anthony's Goal — Anthony Walsh
• You Are Not Alone — Habiba Mohamed

Minnesota Author Honors – Best Illustration

• My Rainbow Days — Lena Bee
• The Big Leaf Leap — Meleck Davis

National Honors – National Book of the Year

• Jada's Dream Girls — Christiana Smith

The annual PPGJLI Children's Book Awards shine a spotlight on authors and illustrators who are shaping the future of children's literature by amplifying diverse perspectives and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

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Event Details

What: 2025 PPGJLI Children's Book Awards

When: Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Where: JK Movement / Jimmy Lee Recreational Center

1063 Iglehart Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55104

The event is open to the public, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the achievements of these exceptional creators.

About Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute

Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and equipping leaders through education, literacy, and career development. PPGJLI promotes diversity in books, fosters cultural awareness, and builds pipelines for future leaders by planting seeds of social change through literacy.

For more information, visit www.ppgjli.org.